TWIN FALLS — Ben Stroud has found himself in a comfortable position.

Friday wrapped up the first week of practice for the 2006 NJCAA Division I volleyball season, a time that sees most coaches sweating out their recruiting choices and prospects for a new season as players sweat through two-a-day practices. Not Stroud though, who coolly directed practice in shorts and a white College of Southern Idaho shirt.

That comfort is well warranted as Stroud enters his 22nd year coming off a 50-2 season and eighth national championship. Oh, and there is the matter of the return of three of the nation’s best players, including returning First Team All-American Aneli Cubi-Otineru.

“Not only that, we have like eight or nine kids that can bury the ball, which is very comforting,” Stroud said. “We’ll have great practices, which will make our team grow faster. I think that more than anything, just having more competition in practice is going to really help us.”

As Friday’s afternoon practice wound on, it quickly became evident that Stroud’s claims are warranted. From returnees Cubi-Otineru and Christine Manuel to freshmen Kawena Cubi-Otineru and Ivana Bramborova, the Golden Eagles filled the gym with the familiar sound of booming spikes. As sophomore setters Kaylene ‘Pudgie’ Finau and Whitney Bond worked out the kinks in their timing, glimpses of CSI’s traditional high-powered attack began to show.

Still, this team has plenty work ahead of it before taking the court against Casper College for its home opener on Aug. 25 during the CSI Outback Invitational.

“We’re trying to get people in shape. It’s going to take a while to get that part of it down, but I like what I see so far,” Stroud said. “I think that they all jump and handle themselves well. They’re all strong, but I think wind-wise, we’re a long way off that way.”

Stroud thinks that the Golden Eagles’ wealth of talent across the lineup will equate to vast early improvements due to the competitiveness in practice. Redshirt freshman transfer from Oregon State University Jordana Price already looks like a strong candidate to take over the middle blocker duties left by former captain Marta Siemiatkowska, now playing for the University of Southern California. But with Jackie Fotu, Gabriela Bulawczyk, and Kawena Cubi-Otineru all took reps at the spot on Friday, meaning competition will be fierce. Libero Chanelle Esteban and setter Tasi Talia also showed their attacking abilities during Friday’s practice. While finding playing time for all 12 of his talented players will be a chore, it’s one Stroud will welcome.

“I just figure that everybody here is going to find a way to contribute a little bit,” Stroud said. “They’re all good, hard-working kids in the gym, and I think practice-wise, when we get into six-on-six, it’s going to be some really great competition.”

With 21 days to prepare for their fist match, Stroud will focus on getting his players back in playing shape before he turns them loose for a title defense.

“I think the rest of it will take care of itself because they’re very talented,” Stroud said. “They can play.”

Times-News sports writer Eric Larsen can be reached at 1-800-658-3883, Ext. 220, or elarsen@magicvalley.com.